Man accused of attempting to assassinate Trump returns to court
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6:42 am
Man Accused of Attempting to Assassinate Trump Returns to Court
FORT PIERCE, Fla. – A man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump is scheduled to appear in court again this week, as he seeks to represent himself in the upcoming trial. Ryan Routh, 59, is charged with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and several firearm violations.
Routh is set to stand trial in September, a year after the alleged incident. Prosecutors claim that on September 15th of last year, a U.S. Secret Service agent thwarted Routh's attempt to shoot Trump while he was playing golf. Routh has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
This week's hearing follows a previous request by Routh earlier this month to fire his court-appointed lawyers and represent himself. Judge Aileen Cannon, presiding over the case, did not rule on the initial request but indicated she would issue a written order. Routh's court-appointed federal public defenders have since requested to be removed from the case, citing an irreconcilable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship. They claim Routh has refused to meet with them on multiple occasions.
In a letter to the judge, Routh stated that he and his attorneys were "a million miles apart" and suggested he could be used in a prisoner exchange with foreign nations. The judge has stated that she does not intend to delay the trial, even if Routh is allowed to represent himself. Routh has indicated he understands the situation and is prepared to proceed.
Prosecutors allege that Routh meticulously planned the assassination attempt for weeks. He allegedly aimed a rifle at Trump through shrubbery before a Secret Service agent intervened. Law enforcement apprehended Routh after a witness identified him fleeing the scene. Routh also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder.
BNN's Perspective:
The right to self-representation is a cornerstone of the American legal system, but it presents significant challenges, especially in complex cases like this. While the court must respect Routh's constitutional rights, the potential for a fair trial could be compromised if he lacks the legal expertise to navigate the proceedings effectively. The judge's decision will be crucial in balancing these competing interests.
Keywords: Ryan Routh, Donald Trump, assassination attempt, court, trial, federal charges, Secret Service, attempted murder, terrorism, legal proceedings, self-representation, Judge Aileen Cannon, firearm violations, presidential candidate, Fort Pierce, Florida.